The cast of 11.22.63 features James Franco as Jake Epping, supported by Sarah Gadon, George MacKay, and Daniel Webber. While originally a Hulu Original, the series is available on Netflix in various international territories as of 2026. This comprehensive guide explores the primary actors, their historical counterparts, and their pivotal roles.
Understanding the 11.22.63 Ensemble and Streaming Context
The 2016 miniseries 11.22.63, executive produced by J.J. Abrams and Stephen King, remains a benchmark for high-concept historical thrillers. Based on King’s sprawling novel, the story follows Jake Epping, an ordinary English teacher who discovers a portal to 1960 and attempts to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Because the series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, its streaming home has shifted over the years. In the United States, it primarily resides on Hulu (or Disney+ via the Hulu integration), but Netflix carries the series in several global regions, making it a recurring favorite for international binge-watchers in 2026.
The casting was critical because the story blends fictional characters with some of the most scrutinized figures in American history. To make the time-travel narrative believable, the production required a mix of A-list star power and character actors capable of disappearing into the mid-century aesthetic. The result is a cast that captures the paranoia of the Cold War and the sentimental yearning for a "simpler" time that was, in reality, fraught with danger.
The Leading Roles: Jake Epping and Sadie Dunhill
James Franco as Jake Epping (and James Amberson)
James Franco anchors the series as Jake Epping, a recently divorced high school teacher from Maine. When his friend Al Templeton reveals a "rabbit hole" in a diner pantry that leads to October 1960, Jake inherits a mission to stay in the past for three years to stop Lee Harvey Oswald.
Franco’s portrayal is unique in the "fish out of water" genre. Unlike many time-travel protagonists who immediately master their surroundings, Jake struggles. He is frequently confronted by "the past pushing back"—a supernatural resistance from time itself. Franco captures the character's transition from a skeptical modern man to a hardened 1960s resident living under the alias James Amberson. By 2026, this role is viewed as one of Franco's more grounded dramatic performances, emphasizing the emotional toll of living a lie for years on end.
Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
Sarah Gadon plays Sadie Dunhill, the librarian who becomes the love of Jake’s life. Sadie is the moral and emotional heart of the series. Her character represents the unexpected variable in Jake’s mission; he came to save a president, but he stayed because of a woman.
Gadon provides a performance that balances 1960s elegance with a modern sense of resilience. Sadie is not a "damsel in distress," despite being hunted by her abusive ex-husband, Johnny Clayton. Her chemistry with Franco is the engine that drives the middle chapters of the series. Gadon’s work here is essential because it raises the stakes: if Jake succeeds in changing history, he risks erasing his entire life with Sadie.
The Supporting Cast and Historical Figures
The strength of 11.22.63 lies in how it populates the world around Jake, particularly the people he meets in Jodie, Texas, and those he spies on in Dallas.
George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
In a significant departure from Stephen King’s novel, the series elevates Bill Turcotte (played by George MacKay) to a major supporting role. In the book, Bill is a minor character, but in the show, he becomes Jake’s sidekick and confidant.
MacKay, who has since become a major star through films like 1917, delivers a frantic, earnest performance. Bill represents the "everyman" of the 1960s who is drawn into Jake’s world of secrets and high-stakes espionage. His character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of knowing too much about the future and the psychological strain of living in the shadows.
Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald
Portraying one of history's most infamous villains is a daunting task, but Daniel Webber’s Lee Harvey Oswald is widely praised for its complexity. Webber avoids the caricature of a "madman" and instead portrays Oswald as a deeply insecure, narcissistic, and politically radicalized young man.
To prepare for the role, Webber studied Oswald’s specific New Orleans-meets-Texas accent and his erratic physical mannerisms. The series focuses heavily on Oswald’s domestic life with his Russian wife, Marina, providing a claustrophobic look at the man in the months leading up to November 22, 1963. Webber’s performance keeps the audience guessing: is Oswald a lone wolf, or is he a pawn in a larger game?
Lucy Fry as Marina Oswald
Lucy Fry plays Marina Oswald, Lee’s wife. Fry’s performance highlights the isolation of a Russian immigrant living in the United States during the height of the Cold War. She portrays Marina as a woman trapped between her husband’s volatile temper and the suspicious eyes of the American public. Her presence adds a layer of domestic tragedy to the historical political thriller.
The Architects of the Mission
Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
The legendary Chris Cooper appears as Al Templeton, the owner of Al’s Diner and the original discoverer of the time portal. Al is the catalyst for the entire story. Having spent years trying to stop the assassination himself, he is forced to pass the torch to Jake after contracting terminal cancer.
Cooper’s performance is brief but impactful. He delivers the "rules" of time travel to the audience, establishing that "the past does not want to be changed." His gravitas gives the premise the necessary weight to move the story out of the diner and into the past.
Kevin J. O'Connor as the Yellow Card Man
A staple of Stephen King’s "multiverse," the Yellow Card Man (Kevin J. O'Connor) is a mysterious figure who appears near the time portal. He serves as a cryptic guardian or a warning sign, repeatedly telling Jake, "You shouldn't be here." O'Connor’s eerie, disjointed performance reinforces the idea that time travel is a violation of the natural order.
Complete Character and Actor Reference Table
The following table provides a quick reference for the main cast, their characters, and their primary motivations within the 11.22.63 narrative.
| Actor | Character | Role/Identity | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Franco | Jake Epping | Time Traveler / Teacher | To prevent the JFK assassination. |
| Sarah Gadon | Sadie Dunhill | Librarian / Love Interest | To find independence and love. |
| George MacKay | Bill Turcotte | Jake’s Partner | To find purpose and help Jake. |
| Daniel Webber | Lee Harvey Oswald | Historical Assassin | Recognition and political impact. |
| Chris Cooper | Al Templeton | Diner Owner / Mentor | To "fix" history through Jake. |
| Cherry Jones | Marguerite Oswald | Lee’s Mother | Protecting her son (obsessively). |
| Lucy Fry | Marina Oswald | Lee’s Wife | Surviving her marriage and the U.S. |
| T.R. Knight | Johnny Clayton | Sadie’s Ex-Husband | Controlling and terrorizing Sadie. |
| Josh Duhamel | Frank Dunning | Butcher / Local Villain | Maintaining his domestic "order." |
Key Differences Between the Cast and the Novel
When analyzing the cast of the 11.22.63 series, it is important to note how the television adaptation changed character dynamics to fit a visual medium. In the novel, Jake Epping is largely a solitary figure, spending much of his time in internal monologue. For the series, the character of Bill Turcotte was expanded significantly to give Jake someone to talk to, allowing the audience to hear the plan out loud.
Furthermore, the character of Johnny Clayton (T.R. Knight) was turned into a more present, terrifying antagonist in the series. In the book, his threat is more of a background shadow for much of the story. Knight’s performance brings a "horror" element to the show that is quintessential Stephen King.
The casting of Josh Duhamel as Frank Dunning—the man Jake first tries to stop to "test" his ability to change the past—was also a notable choice. Duhamel, often known for heroic roles, plays a terrifying, violent patriarch. This early sequence in the series sets the tone for the physical danger Jake faces long before he ever gets to Dallas.
Technical Execution: Portraying the 1960s
The actors were supported by a massive production effort to recreate 1960s America. Filming took place across Ontario, Canada, and on-location in Dallas, Texas, including the actual Dealey Plaza.
For the actors playing historical figures, this meant performing on the very stages where history happened. Daniel Webber, in particular, filmed scenes in the locations Oswald frequented. This immersion helped the cast maintain the high stakes required for a historical drama. The wardrobe department, led by Roland Sanchez, used period-accurate materials that influenced how the actors moved; the stiff collars and heavy wools of the early 60s dictated a certain posture that James Franco and George MacKay had to adopt to blend in.
Where to Watch 11.22.63 in 2026
As of 2026, the licensing for 11.22.63 remains split by territory.
- United States: The series is a staple of the Hulu library. Following the full integration of Hulu into Disney+, it is also accessible via the Disney+ app for subscribers with the Hulu bundle.
- International (UK, Canada, Australia, etc.): Netflix frequently secures the "second-run" rights for Warner Bros. Television productions. Depending on your specific country, the series may be found on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
- Digital Purchase: The series remains available for high-definition purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 11.22.63 a Netflix Original?
No, 11.22.63 is a Hulu Original series. It was produced by Bad Robot (J.J. Abrams' company) and Warner Bros. Television. However, Netflix has licensed the show for distribution in many countries outside of the United States, leading to its common association with the Netflix platform in those regions.
Who plays the main character in 11.22.63?
The main character, Jake Epping, is played by James Franco. Franco also served as a producer on the series and directed one of the episodes ("The Truth").
How many seasons of 11.22.63 are there?
There is only one season. The show was designed as a "limited series" or miniseries, meaning it tells the complete story of Stephen King's novel from beginning to end across eight episodes. There are no plans for a second season, as the narrative concludes definitively.
Did they film 11.22.63 in the actual locations?
Yes, the production was granted rare access to film in Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. The scenes involving the assassination attempt and the motorcade were filmed at the actual site of the 1963 event, providing an eerie sense of realism for the cast and the audience.
Who plays Lee Harvey Oswald in the series?
Lee Harvey Oswald is portrayed by Australian actor Daniel Webber. Webber received critical acclaim for his ability to capture Oswald's specific speech patterns and psychological instability.
Final Recommendation for Viewers
If you are a fan of historical fiction, Stephen King’s supernatural realism, or tight thrillers, 11.22.63 is a must-watch. The casting of James Franco and Sarah Gadon provides a strong emotional core that makes the time-travel mechanics easy to follow. To get the most out of the experience, pay close attention to the background characters—like the Yellow Card Man—as they provide the clues needed to understand the series' bittersweet finale. Check your local Netflix or Hulu listings to start the journey back to 1960.
